Coffee Lovers Blog

With the economy top of mind these days, we are all trying to protect our investments. Our investments in coffee makers and espresso machinesare no different. As with most pieces of equipment, proper maintenance and cleaning can go a long way in extending their service life . One of the most common causes of issues with coffee makers and espresso machines are mineral deposits left behind from the heated water. If you have ever left a pot of boiling water to boil dry, you have probably seen these deposits on the bottom of the pot. Deposits can coat the water lines, pumps, heating elements & boilers. The effects can range from a decrease in performance to catastrophic failure. Deposits in a boiler or on a heating element can mean longer times for your espresso machine to heat up, coffee makers that don’t reach the designed brewing temperature and thermostats that do not read properly. Too many deposits in water lines, pumps and just about any part can result in restricted water flow or even failure. One of the most effective products we have found to combat these deposits is Durgol Swiss Espresso Machine Decalcifier. I first saw a Demo of Durgol in action several years back at the Chicago Home and Housewares show. I was so impressed with the demo that I asked Frieling, the US importer to send me a demo kit so we could video tape it for our customers. Check out the YouTube video above comparing Durgol to vinegar and citric acid cleaners. The calcium deposits dissolve much more rapidly in the Durgol solution.  For our full line of Coffee Maker and Espresso Machine Cleaners, including decalcifying tablets and cleaners specifically designed for Jura and Miele machines, visit our site. With good care, you can enjoy brewing coffee or espresso with your current machine for a long time!

Jura Capresso Impressa Z5

We were pleased to find an article on TheStreet.com highlighting the popular Jura-Capresso Impressa Z5 Superautomatic espresso machine and coffee center in their article Buy Buy, Baby: the $3,000 Coffee Maker. We were even more pleased to find that they referenced Zaccardi’s on page 2 for our innovative Cappuccino Calculator that shows how much money you could save by brewing your cappuccinos at home. Thank you to TheStreet.com for mentioning us (although we are actually Westchester N.Y. based and not Long Island based – but close enough )

TheStreet.com gives the Z5 high praise at the $3,000 price point but if you want to save even more, consider a factory refurbished espresso machine - we carry many models including the Capresso Z5 and Z6 when available. We have found these units usually are gently used and many times difficult to distinguish from brand new machines.  They also carry a full warranty from Capresso and save you a bundle of money.

I recently read a great article about cooking with coffee. Now I have cooked with coffee before, but mainly desserts like Zaccardi’s Decadent Premium Espresso Blend Coffee Ice Cream. This article, “Coffee adds surprising kick to rubs, marinades” in the San Francisco Chronicle names many other interesting ways to cook with coffee from braising meats with strongly brewed coffee to incorporating ground coffee into meat rubs. I thought it would be interesting for our readers to reply with favorite recipes incorporating coffee. We are looking forward to finding some interesting recipes we can post on our web site and share with our fellow coffee lovers, and of courese, to try ourselves.

According to the National Coffee Association’s 2009 Coffee Drinking Trends survey, 5 percent more of us are brewing beans at home this year — resulting in the highest level since 2003. So what does this mean for frequent coffee drinkers? Well, with a bit of know how and the right tools, you can still get your favorite cafe java drinks at home. This summer, as you get the taste for iced coffees, try out these alternatives to taking a trip to the coffee shop:

Iced Coffee

At the Cafe: $3

At Home: First pour 1 pound ground coffee into a non-reactive container. Then slowly add 10 cups of cold water. Cover and let steep at room temp for about 10 hours. Strain well. Store coffee concentrate in the fridge and use gradually as you need. Serve over ice; add milk or sugar if wanted.

Iced Latte

At the Cafe: $3.50

At Home: First fill up a cup with ice. Add 12 ounces of cold milk and 2 shots of espresso. If you don’t have an espresso maker, you can always get one from Zaccardis.com at a great price.

Iced Chai

At the Cafe: $3

At Home: Use a Chai tea concentrate and mix equal parts Chai and milk. Add ice and serve.

Blended Coffee Drinks

At the Cafe: $4

At Home: Try some of the mixes available in your coffee aisle. For stronger flavors, add syrups or frozen cubes of coffee.

Coffee Beans

When you pick up your morning cup, are you really thinking about what beans make that distinct, tasty flavor come out? Or are you more concerned about getting your caffeine boost? Either way, coffee lovers can benefit from good beans in their machines, and most importantly, can spice up their normal routine by just choosing a more exotic bean. Instead of reaching of the traditional grocery-store tin of grounds, opt instead to give Kona or Sumatra or Yirgacheffe a try. Not only will you be sampling something new, but you’ll also be giving your palette a trip around the world. Many of these exotic flavors also pair well with desserts, making them a special ending to any meal. So go ahead, spice up your cup at your next dinner party, book club, or even to your daily routine by trying an exotic coffee from Zaccardis.com.

While most people like to avoid manual brewing because of time, there are actually a lot of benefits to doing it yourself, including enhanced flavors and the feeling of accomplishment as you sip on your homemade cup. To make the most out of your manual coffee brewing experience, here are some things you need to know:

1. Freshly roasted beans should be used within ten days in order to ensure freshness. To maximize their

   

   Put Care into Every Cup

   flavor, store whole beans in an airtight, opaque container in a cool location like a refrigerator or freezer, though be cautious to protect the beans from freezer burn.

2. Don’t grind your beans until you’re ready to brew and keep in mind that Burr Grinders give the most even, fine grounds.

3. The ideal temperature for brewing coffee is somewhere between 190 to 200 degrees, so adjust your brewing methods accordingly to correspond with your pot.

4. Depending on the fineness of the ground, brewing takes about 4 to 7 minutes. Any longer and you’ll end up with saturated coffee.

5. In terms of amount, the rule of thumb is 1 level two-tablespoon scoop of whole beans per 6 ounces of water.

According to a recent story by NPR’s Morning Edition, a new cafe in Michigan is helping a town boost its mood and stay strong throughout the economic downturn by offering a simple and effective remedy: a comfortable place and a nice cup of coffee.

The Front Porch Cafe is a non-profit cafe with a mission to help the people of Ellsworth, Michigan. After the town lost its diner, bait shop and grocery story, a local church decided that the people of Ellsworth needed a better place to gather and to build community of a warm cup of java. So they opened The Front Porch, a cafe that serves up affordable breakfasts, pie, and fresh brewed coffee. On any given day, you’ll find a fair amount of the town’s 500 citizens taking part in the community and brews at the cafe as the town looks to make it through the downturn. Thanks to The Front Porch, Ellsworth finally has a spot where residents can get a slice of pie, a cup of coffee and a sense of community.

How has coffee and community impacted your area in the downturn? What inspiring stories have you shared over a cup of joe?

This oh-so-yummy and deliciously coffee flavored toffee bars recipe comes from Good Cookies Plain and Fancy, by Annette Laslett Ross and Jean Adams Disney, published by Doubleday in 1963. Though a classic recipe, it’s sure to become a new family favorite in your home – especially if you have a bit of coffee left over from this morning.

Ingredients:

1 cup flour

¼ cup butter

1 egg

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup strong, cold coffee

1 cup chocolate chips

1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Melt butter in a heavy pot. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved. Cool and then add one egg.

3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.

4. Add this to the butter mix alternately with vanilla and coffee. Blend well.

5. Stir in chocolate chips and then place batter in baking pan.

6. Bake for about 30 minutes. Serve with your favorite cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Daniel Young’s new book, Coffee Love – 50 Ways to Drink Your Java, is for coffee buffs who love to debate the merits of their favorite beans while analyzing brewing and serving methods.

According to a book review in the El Paso Times, Young does not take sides; he recognizes that coffee preferences are personal. His goal is education – in a delicious fashion – and he’s served up 50 simple recipes for coffee drinks from baristas around the world. Plus, there’s great passages on the love of coffee, cafes, and coffee bars.

Here’s a passage from the inside cover:
Throughout the book, Young’s engaging profiles and evocative photographs bring the coffee experience to life. You’ll visit fabled coffee shrines such as Café Sperl in Vienna, you’ll meet Bologna’s most accomplished barista, and you’ll learn the secrets of the world’s most distinctive coffee drinks. If you love coffee and want to explore many great ways to enjoy it, this book is your indispensable guide.

Well brewed, Young. Well brewed.

Numerous studies have reached a consensus: coffee is good for us! It’s true; brewing some fresh java every now and then can have a positive impact on your well being, and as the authors of the Coffee Lover’s Blog, we at Zaccardis.com couldn’t be happier to hear the news.

Why is coffee so beneficial to our health? According to Sandy Procter, a specialist in human nutrition at Kansas State University, it could be due to the beverage’s anti-inflammatory properties and wealth of antioxidants. “Coffee contains four times more antioxidants than green tea — and brewing adds 300 more antioxidants to the 1,000-plus found in green coffee beans,” she says. “Roasting those green coffee beans adds even more healthful benefits.”

In one study, researchers found that people who drank three to five cups of joe per day were two thirds less likely to develop various forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, and as noted in one of our blogs, coffee has also been found to lower the risk of stroke. Other studies have reported similar findings, including a staggering 80% reduction in cirrhosis of the liver.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that we should go overboard, and more research is needed in order to confirm these findings. However, things are certainly looking up, and that makes Zaccardis.com proud to support our fellow coffee lovers!